In an effort to help improve the safety of workers in the professional cleaning industry, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently renewed its affiliation with the International Window Cleaning Association.
According to the OSHA, the renewed alliance will help address some of the slips and falls that workers in this industry experience each year.
David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for OSHA, indicated that this is an important alliance, as slips and falls are among the most frequent types of accidents that individuals within the profession experience.
"We look forward to continuing our work with the IWCA to provide workplace training and education to help ensure that workers are aware of on-the-job hazards and reduce injuries throughout the industry," he said.
Recently, the OSHA released a report detailing the leading safety violations among business owners this past year. The most common pertained to fall protection, as approximately 7,250 violations were meted out in the 2012 fiscal year. Other common violations had to do with hazard communication, scaffolding issues, improper respiratory protection and ladders that were not in compliance with industry standards.
OSHA says there are several ways in which business owners can ensure HR compliance in their business practices. One of which is to have a solid understanding of the safety standards that the OSHA administers. Once this comprehension has been established, employers – specifically those in the construction industry – should look at their equipment to see to it that they adhere with OSHA regulations. Age or wear and tear may require some things to be replaced.
Additionally, employees should be trained, showing them what constitutes the proper way in which to use different kinds of equipment.
As of December 15, OSHA's fall protection guidelines go into effect for business owners in the residential construction industry.
